A journey through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, across desert, steppe and ancient cities…
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/04/27 | 26/04/27 | 20 days | £5,995 pp | £950 | Chris Aslan | 15 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
As featured in The Sunday Times by Chris Haslam.
Join Silk Road author and Central Asia specialist Chris Aslan on this in depth journey through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
From the marble grandeur of Ashgabat to the ruined cities of the desert and the cultured heart of Transoxiana, the route travels from west to east, following ancient trade paths and enduring traditions.
Moving overland and by train between legendary Silk Road cities, there is unhurried time in key locations, whether walking the vast archaeological landscapes of Merv or crossing borders that once defined great empires. Encounters with artisans, markets and museums reveal how historic trade routes continue to shape daily life. With Chris’s insight and deep local knowledge bringing both past and present into focus, this journey offers a thoughtful exploration of one of the world’s most compelling crossroads.
Chris was born in Turkey and grew up in Ankara and war-torn Beirut. In 1998, he moved to Uzbekistan to work on a guidebook. Welcomed by a local family, he fell in love with the place and its people — and stayed.
During this time he established a UNESCO-supported workshop reviving fifteenth-century carpet designs and embroideries. His first book A Carpet Ride to Khiva – Seven Years on the Silk Road, tells this story.
Explore the vast archaeological landscapes of Merv and the desert ruins that once anchored Silk Road trade.
Discover Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, where bazaars, workshops and daily life reveal centuries of cultural exchange.
Cross into Tajikistan to visit Sarazm and Penjikent, revealing the region’s early role in Silk Road civilisation.
Travel alongside Central Asia aficionado Chris Aslan, author of “A Carpet Ride to Kniva – Seven Years on the Silk Road”
Day 1
Arrive Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Day 2
Ashgabat to Mary
Day 3
Ancient Merv
Day 4
Mary to Ashgabat
Day 5
Ashgabat - Dashoguz - Kunya Urgench - Nukus (Uzbekistan)
Day 6
Nukus to Khiva
Day 7
Khiva
Day 8
Khiva
Day 9
Khiva to Bukhara
Day 10
Bukhara
Day 11
Bukhara
Day 12
Bukhara and The Summer Palace
Day 13
Bukhara to Samarkand
Day 14
Samarkand
Day 15
Samarkand and Shakhr-i-Sabz
Day 16
Samarkand to Penjikent (Tajikistan)
Day 17
Penjikent to Khujand
Day 18
Khujand to Fergana Valley (Uzbekistan)
Day 19
Fergana to Margilan
Day 20
Depart Margilan
Day 1
Arrive Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Arrive early in Ashgabat and transfer to your hotel for immediate check in. After time to rest, enjoy an afternoon orientation tour exploring the city’s marble monuments, mosques and parks. The day concludes with a traditional folk performance showcasing Turkmen music and customs.
Day 2
Ashgabat to Mary
Visit the UNESCO listed fortress of Old Nisa, former capital of the Parthian Empire, followed by the National History Museum. After lunch, drive east along the historic Silk Road, stopping at medieval sites en route before arriving in the oasis city of Mary.
Day 3
Ancient Merv
Spend a full day exploring the vast ruins of Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia’s most important Silk Road cities. Walk through successive layers of history, from early fortresses to Seljuk mausoleums, before visiting the Mary History Museum for further context.
Day 4
Mary to Ashgabat
Drive back to Ashgabat along the modern highway. In the afternoon, visit Geok Tepe, site of a pivotal nineteenth century battle, and the nearby Akhal Tekke horse stud. Return to the city for a relaxed evening.
Day 5
Ashgabat - Dashoguz - Kunya Urgench - Nukus (Uzbekistan)
Transfer to the airport to fly north to Dashoguz. Continue to the UNESCO site of Kunya Urgench, once capital of the Khorezmshah Empire. Explore its mausoleums and minaret before crossing the border into Uzbekistan and travelling on to Nukus.
Day 6
Nukus to Khiva
Visit the Savitskiy Museum, renowned for its exceptional collection of Soviet avant-garde art and regional works. Continue by road across the desert, stopping at the ancient Ayaz Qala fortresses, before arriving in Khiva for an overnight stay.
Day 7
Khiva
Spend the day exploring Khiva on foot. Walk through the walled Ichan Kala citadel, visiting its mosques, madrasas and mausoleums. Climb the Islam Khodja minaret for views across the old town and surrounding desert.
Day 8
Khiva
Tour the Nurullabai Palace, where European influences blend with traditional craftsmanship. The afternoon is at leisure to explore independently, revisit favourite sites, or enjoy time within the old city walls.
Day 9
Khiva to Bukhara
Depart by road for Bukhara, crossing expansive desert landscapes once travelled by Silk Road caravans. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or take an introductory walk.
Day 10
Bukhara
Discover Bukhara’s historic centre, visiting the Ark fortress, Kalyan Minaret, and the Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan madrasas. Explore Lyab-i-Khauz and see Chor Minor. Visit Hunarmand workshops to observe traditional crafts.
Day 11
Bukhara
A full day at leisure to explore Bukhara independently. Optional activities include further sightseeing, shopping in the old trading domes, or time in a traditional teahouse.
Day 12
Bukhara and The Summer Palace
Travel outside the city to visit the Emir’s Summer Palace. Continue to the Baha-ud-Din Naqshband complex, an important Sufi site, and the atmospheric Chor Bakr necropolis, before returning to Bukhara.
Day 13
Bukhara to Samarkand
Enjoy a free morning before travelling by Afrosiab train to Samarkand. On arrival, visit the Gur Emir mausoleum, final resting place of Timur, and the nearby Ak-Saray Mausoleum, known for its richly decorated interior.
Day 14
Samarkand
Visit Ulugh Beg’s Observatory and the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex. In the afternoon, explore Registan Square and its three monumental madrasas. Continue to the Bibi Khanum Mosque and browse the lively Siyob Bazaar.
Day 15
Samarkand and Shakhr-i-Sabz
Drive to Shakhr-i-Sabz, birthplace of Timur. Visit the remains of the White Palace and the mausoleum complex housing Timur’s son. Later, return to Samarkand.
Day 16
Samarkand to Penjikent (Tajikistan)
Cross into Tajikistan, stopping at the UNESCO listed Sarazm archaeological site. Continue to Penjikent and visit the Rudaki Museum and notable Soviet mosaics.
Day 17
Penjikent to Khujand
Travel north to Khujand. Explore the city’s archaeological museum and historic ramparts, visit Panjshanbe Bazaar, and take a cable car to Victory Park for views over the Syr Darya.
Day 18
Khujand to Fergana Valley (Uzbekistan)
Cross the Konibodom border back into Uzbekistan and drive through the Fergana Valley. Stop in Rishtan to visit a renowned ceramics workshop before continuing to Fergana.
Day 19
Fergana to Margilan
Visit the Kumpteppe Sunday Bazaar, then continue to Margilan, a historic centre of silk production. Tour traditional ikat weaving workshops, including established and small private operations.
Day 20
Depart Margilan
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
One of Central Asia’s great lost cities, Merv was once among the largest cities on earth. Its vast archaeological park contains multiple cities layered across two millennia, from Achaemenid foundations to Seljuk splendour. Walking between crumbling fortresses, mausoleums and city walls reveals how Merv flourished as a centre of learning, trade and Islamic culture before its destruction by the Mongols.
Often described as the most important art museum you have never heard of, the Savitsky Museum houses an extraordinary collection of Soviet avant-garde works rescued from obscurity. Assembled by Igor Savitsky in the remote Karakalpak desert, it preserves art that was banned, censored or destroyed elsewhere. Alongside this are rich displays of Karakalpak textiles, jewellery and applied arts. In the far west of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan feels culturally distinct, and time in Nukus offers insight into local traditions shaped by desert life and the legacy of the Aral Sea.
The UNESCO-listed site of Sarazm reveals a surprisingly early chapter of Central Asian civilisation. Dating back over 5,500 years, it was a major settlement long before the Silk Road formally emerged. Archaeological finds show advanced metallurgy, long-distance trade links and early urban planning. Sarazm offers rare insight into prehistoric life in the region and the deep roots of cultural exchange across Central Asia.
Low Activity
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/04/27 | 26/04/27 | 20 days | £5,995 pp | Chris Aslan | 15 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
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